Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has committed to "unconditionally" supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine and to "responsibly" adhere to a mutual defense treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow, as reported by North Korean state media on Thursday. Kim expressed his commitment during a meeting with Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Shoigu, Russia's top security official, arrived in North Korea on Wednesday, signaling growing military cooperation between the two nations. This cooperation is underscored by North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia to aid in the conflict with Ukraine. During their meeting, Kim assured Shoigu that North Korea would back Russia's foreign policies on critical international political matters, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Kim also emphasized North Korea's commitment to observing the terms of the strategic partnership treaty signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year. The discussions between Kim and Shoigu reinforced the consensus on their stance regarding Ukraine and pledged to enhance their strategic partnership.

Further discussions included the rebuilding of the Kursk front-line region and steps to honor North Korean soldiers, as reported by Russia's news agency Tass. Seoul's unification ministry noted that the agenda likely included North Korea's additional troop deployment to Russia, ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, and possibly Kim's visit to Russia.

Shoigu's visit, his second in under three months, comes as the first anniversary of the mutual defense treaty approaches. This treaty mandates immediate military assistance if either nation is attacked. In April, North Korea acknowledged sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Seoul's intelligence agency estimates that approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, with over 4,700 casualties, including around 600 fatalities.